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The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Michigan For 2022

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Michigan would like to think that the only things dangerous in their state is the Detroit lions' defensive line and driving over the Mackinac Bridge during a snowstorm; but sadly, that's not the case.

There is danger lurking in every corner of the mitten in our top ten most dangerous cities in Michigan for 2022 list. Let's be real, we're not talking about driving 5 mph over the speed limit kind of danger. The type of danger we're talking about will gets people on the news. How does one navigate these dangerous cities when trying to make an informed decision on what city you should call home? We can answer that.

To compile our list, we looked at violent crimes and property crimes in cities with a population of 5,000. Folks, the cities that made our list have robberies happening in broad daylight, car jackings, and daily shootings. There are neighborhoods in these cities that you shouldn't drive thru, ever, and there are areas that you definitely shouldn't be in after dark. We're not saying that there aren't little pockets of goodness in these cities. The neighborhoods and shopping centers in these Michigan cities are not ALL bad. We do recommend that you spend some time studying them before you make a move. And If do you choose one of these cities, you're going to have to be aware of your surroundings at all times.

It's not entirely Michigan's fault. They are the sixth largest state in terms of population. As with most situations, there's bound to be problems with that many people. To see where these Michigan cities with more issues than a newspaper are located, take a look below at our most dangerous cities in The Great Lakes State for 2022.

The Most Dangerous Cities In Michigan For 2022

  1. Benton Township
  2. Kalamazoo
  3. Benton Harbor
  4. Detroit
  5. Muskegon Heights
  6. Lansing
  7. Albion
  8. Flint Township
  9. Three Rivers
  10. Highland Park

What are the circumstances that make these Michigan cities this way? Maybe not enough jobs, low wages, drugs, gangs, close to larger cities that push their problems onto surrounding cities; and in Michigan's case, freezing temperatures and boatloads of snow?

We're not entirely sure. But one thing we are sure about is our number one most dangerous city in Michigan is Benton Township.

The Michigan cities on our most dangerous list could definitely use some some TLC. If you're looking to be that diamond in the ruff, or you're just curious to see if your city made the list, take a look at our list below. And if you don't see your city there, head to the bottom.

Learn more about the safest places in Michigan.

If you're looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America.

For more Michigan reading, check out:

The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Michigan For 2022

1. Benton Township

When it comes to Michigan's most dangerous places, it's hard to top Benton Township.

The township had the fourth highest property crime rate in Michigan for 2020, with residents facing a 1 in 22 chance of having their property stolen or damaged. In other words, make sure you still have all your valuables after a day out at Silver Beach.

Benton Township doesn't exactly get a pass on violent crime either -- in fact, the rate of rape cases here is 16th highest in Michigan.

Benton Township is located on Lake Michigan in southwestern part of the state.

Population: 14,251
Rank Last Year: 1 (No Change)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 2,448 (Second most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,427 (Fourth most dangerous)
More on Benton Township:

Benton Township, MI

The second most dangerous place in Michigan goes to Kalamazoo, a city of 76,411 in the southwestern part of the state.

Folks in Kalamazoo had a 1 in 20 chance of being the victim of a property crime in 2020, so you'll want to be wary about your belongings here.

We just hope they have enough security at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum to stop a heist, seeing as Kalamazoo had the highest burglary rate in Michigan.

On top of that, 1,094 people in Kalamazoo were attacked, murdered, or raped in 2020.

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Population: 76,411
Rank Last Year: 4 (Up 2)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,431 (Ninth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,802 (Third most dangerous)
More on Kalamazoo:  | Cost Of Living | Crime Report

Kalamazoo, MI

Source: Public domain

A neighbor of Benton Township, Benton Harbor comes in as the third most dangerous place to call home in the Wolverine State.

Benton Harbor is in the top ten statewide for all the wrong reasons - murder, rape, and burglary rates, not to mention unemployment. And with the median household income barely above the poverty line, it's safe to say there's a lot of work to be done in Benton Harbor.

But hey, at least the Silver Beach Carousel has a 5/5 rating.

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Population: 9,710
Rank Last Year: 8 (Up 5)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 3,192 (Most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,171 (12th most dangerous)
More on Benton Harbor:  | Cost Of Living | Crime Report

Benton Harbor, MI

Between bankruptcy, a staggering 36% poverty rate, and an unemployment rate nearly five times higher than the national average, it's no secret that Detroit has had its share of struggles. It's also no wonder 10% of the population has fled the city in the past decade.

And with all those frustrations, it's no surprise that crime is also a big issue in Detroit. Motown had the fourth highest murder rate and ninth highest burglary rate in Michigan, for starters. On top of that, Detroit recorded 5,578 car thefts in 2020, so you want to be very picky about where you leave your car in the Motor City.

All that being said, Detroit is still a big city, so if you stick to Detroit's safest neighborhoods, like the area around the Detroit Riverfront, you should be all right.

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Population: 659,616
Rank Last Year: 3 (Down 1)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 2,178 (Third most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,210 (11th most dangerous)
More on Detroit:  | Cost Of Living | Crime Report

Detroit, MI

Muskegon Heights had the #2.0 spot on this list last year, so getting to the #5 spot represents a bit of progress in the crime department. Still, Muskegon Heights is the seventh most violent place in Michigan, according to the FBI data, and total crime rate was nearly four times higher than the statewide average.

The murder rate in Muskegon Heights was the 11th highest in Michigan for 2020 and residents had a 1 in 58 chance of being the victim of an attack. All the more reason to hurry home from P.J. Hoffmaster State Park before the sun goes down.

You also want to make sure you're religious about locking your doors here because Muskegon Heights also has the fourth highest burglary rate in Michigan.

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Population: 10,724
Rank Last Year: 2 (Down 3)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,715 (Seventh most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,674 (Eighth most dangerous)
More on Muskegon Heights:  | Cost Of Living | Crime Report

Muskegon Heights, MI

Lansing, the capital city of Michigan, is located in the central part of the state. Besides being the center of government, it also happens to suffer a massive crime rate -- making it the number 6 most dangerous cities in Michigan.

Yes, yes, we know the jokes. Any city with that many politicians in residence is bound to have a lot of crime. But here, violations like bribery and influence peddling aren't the main problems. Rather, the community endures the number 8 highest rate of violent crime in the state. That includes 16 murders and 121 sexual assaults.

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Population: 118,651
Rank Last Year: 15 (Up 9)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,431 (Eighth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,004 (17th most dangerous)
More on Lansing:  | Cost Of Living | Crime Report

Lansing, MI

Albion sits in the middle of the state, along I-94 on the route between Detroit and Battle Creek. One of the most prominent features of the community: the Kids 'N' Stuff Children's Museum, a great place to amuse your family on a boring Sunday afternoon.

But not every part of this town has a family-friendly air. Some areas get R-rated scary. As such, this ranks as the number 7 most dangerous spot in Michigan. You'll find high rates of burglary and larceny.

In addition, the number of arsons is particularly high -- 8 such events in a population of 8,381 people. That's enough for the number 3 highest rate of arson in the entire state. Maybe that's not a surprise -- kids love fire, don't they?

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Population: 8,381
Rank Last Year: 12 (Up 5)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,181 (13th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,114 (13th most dangerous)
More on Albion:  | Cost Of Living | Crime Report

Albion, MI

8. Flint Township

The city of Flint has had a famously troubled history in the last few years. From the hardship and poverty caused by the contraction of the region's once-thriving auto industry to the headline-generating water crisis, the community has had a difficult run. Now, Flint Township is technically a different municipality. But it lies just outside of Flint and has endured many of the same problems.

With that context, it's no surprise that the community ranks as the number 8 most dangerous spots in Michigan. Property crime represents a particularly menacing issue. This includes 857 larcenies in an area with a population of just 30,178.

Population: 30,178
Rank Last Year: -
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,037 (19th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,684 (Seventh most dangerous)
More on Flint Township:

Flint Township, MI

Three Rivers sounds like a peaceful name for this small city, but it's far from peaceful in Michigan's ninth most dangerous place. Three Rivers had the 17th highest rate of rape cases in the state in 2020.

But Three Rivers has Michigan's ninth highest overall crime rate mostly because of the prevalence of property crime. There was a property crime committed every day, on average, to give you an idea.

At least you can find a relaxing space at Hidden Mash Sanctuary; just don't stay out too late.

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Population: 7,604
Rank Last Year: 7 (Down 2)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 920 (21st most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,721 (Sixth most dangerous)
More on Three Rivers:  | Cost Of Living | Crime Report

Three Rivers, MI

Highland Park has been featured at the top of our list of the worst places in Michigan for a couple of years running now, and a big reason why is crime.

Of course, with a poverty rate of over 45% and the highest unemployment rate in Michigan, it isn't hard to imagine why criminal activity is so prevalent here. All we're saying is that if folks had slightly better odds than 1 in 52 of being attacked over

a year, we'd give a more favorable review.

Highland Park is surrounded by Detroit, but things are so bad here that the larger city doesn't want to absorb it.

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Population: 10,680
Rank Last Year: 9 (Down 1)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,919 (Fifth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,621 (24th most dangerous)
More on Highland Park:  | Cost Of Living | Crime Report

Highland Park, MI

Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous cities in Michigan for 2022?

Every year the FBI release two crime datasets, a preliminary dataset limited to the biggest cities in the country, followed by a more detailed release at the end of the year.

For our analysis, we focused on the JUST released 2020 data, specifically the 2020 Crime In The United States Report. We will update the results when data becomes available in September 2022.

So what criteria did we use? Have a look:

  • Violent Crimes Per Capita
  • Property Crimes Per Capita

In order to make the analysis as apples to apples as possible, we only considered Michigan cities over 5,000 in population. That left us with 219 cities in Michigan.

We then ranked each city from 1 to 219 for the two criteria with a #1 ranking being the most dangerous for the particular criteria.

Next, we averaged the two rankings into one "Dangerous Index".

Finally, we ranked every city on the "Dangerous Index" with the lowest index being the most dangerous in Michigan -- Benton Township. Any ties went to the smaller city. You can download the data here.

Most Dangerous Places To Live In Michigan FAQs

Is Michigan a dangerous state?

No, Michigan is not a dangerous state as it ranks as the #25 safest state in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. The violent crime rate in michigan ranks tenth highest in the United States -- 23.26% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the Wolverine State ranks 43rd highest in the United States -- 30.5% better than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2020.

Is Detroit, MI a dangerous city?

Yes, Detroit is a dangerous city. Detroit ranks as the #32 most dangerous out of 320 major cities over 100,000 people in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though Detroit might be considered dangerous you still need to be aware of where you are. For example, Palmer Woods is the safest in Detroit, while Greensbriar is considered dangerous by many based on recent crime stats.

Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Detroit ranks second highest in America -- 296.89% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks 93rd highest in the United States -- 20.89% worse than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2020 and that no city in America is 'dangerous'. Despite the uptick in murders, it's nothing like you'd see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city.

No, Michigan is not a dangerous state as it ranks as the #25 safest state in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. The violent crime rate in michigan ranks tenth highest in the United States -- 23.26% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the Wolverine State ranks 43rd highest in the United States -- 30.5% better than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2020.

"}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Is Detroit, MI a dangerous city?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Yes, Detroit is a dangerous city. Detroit ranks as the #32 most dangerous out of 320 major cities over 100,000 people in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though Detroit might be considered dangerous you still need to be aware of where you are. For example, Palmer Woods is the safest in Detroit, while Greensbriar is considered dangerous by many based on recent crime stats.

Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Detroit ranks second highest in America -- 296.89% worse than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks 93rd highest in the United States -- 20.89% worse than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2020 and that no city in America is 'dangerous'. Despite the uptick in murders, it's nothing like you'd see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city.

"}}]}

Graphing The Most Dangerous And Safest Places In Michigan

Most Dangerous Cities In Michigan Graph

Click To Enlarge

Summary: Locking It All Up In Michigan

So what is the most dangerous city in Michigan? After analyzing 219 cities in Michigan, Benton Township takes the top spot as the most dangerous city in Michigan based on the most recently reported FBI data -- 2020.

The latest FBI crime data shows that Benton Township ranks as the most dangerous city in Michigan for 2022.

We want to point out again that there's still safes places in Benton Township and that this isn't a comment on the people that live there. So please don't beat us up.

What are the circumstances that make these Michigan cities this way? Maybe not enough jobs, low wages, drugs, gangs, close to larger cities that push their problems onto surrounding cities; and in Michigan's case, freezing temperatures and boatloads of snow?

We're not entirely sure. But one thing we are sure about is our number one most dangerous city in Michigan is Benton Township.

The Michigan cities on our most dangerous list could definitely use some some TLC. If you're looking to be that diamond in the ruff, or you're just curious to see if your city made the list, take a look at our list below. And if you don't see your city there, head to the bottom.

Learn more about the safest places in Michigan.

If you're looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America.

Here are the safest cities in Michigan:

  1. Gaines Township (Pop. 6,103)
  2. Hamburg Township (Pop. 21,867)
  3. Addison Township (Pop. 6,638)
  4. Lapeer Township (Pop. 5,017)
  5. Huntington Woods (Pop. 6,268)
  6. Raisin Township (Pop. 7,784)
  7. Grosse Ile Township (Pop. 10,114)
  8. Adrian Township (Pop. 6,237)
  9. Thetford Township (Pop. 6,605)
  10. Iron Mountain (Pop. 7,274)

For more Michigan reading, check out:

Crime By City In Michigan

Rank City Population Violent Crimes Per Capita Property Crimes Per Capita
1 Benton Township 14,251 2,448 4,427
2 Kalamazoo 76,411 1,431 4,802
3 Benton Harbor 9,710 3,192 3,171
4 Detroit 659,616 2,178 3,210
5 Muskegon Heights 10,724 1,715 3,674
6 Lansing 118,651 1,431 3,004
7 Albion 8,381 1,181 3,114
8 Flint Township 30,178 1,037 3,684
9 Three Rivers 7,604 920 3,721
10 Highland Park 10,680 1,919 2,621
11 Ypsilanti 20,240 1,422 2,919
12 Jackson 32,332 1,082 3,096
13 Ecorse 9,576 1,775 2,464
14 Harper Woods 13,679 1,045 3,011
15 Lansing Township 8,254 690 4,918
16 Dowagiac 5,648 867 2,903
17 Inkster 24,173 1,315 2,246
18 Battle Creek 60,479 892 2,594
19 Muskegon 36,391 697 2,758
20 Greenville 8,415 487 3,767
21 Niles 11,102 666 2,954
22 Melvindale 10,199 990 2,098
23 Kalamazoo Township 24,562 529 3,102
24 Pontiac 59,411 1,413 1,844
25 Romulus 23,533 1,045 2,014
26 Port Huron 28,602 786 2,206
27 Sturgis 10,831 673 2,400
28 Burton 28,427 675 2,279
29 Eastpointe 32,046 752 2,084
30 Adrian 20,540 681 2,156
31 Flint 94,842 1,050 1,701
32 Buena Vista Township 8,047 1,168 1,640
33 Saginaw 47,767 2,154 1,507
34 Grand Rapids 202,513 712 1,953
35 Roseville 46,983 461 2,422
36 Escanaba 12,111 454 2,402
37 Kentwood 52,263 438 2,309
38 Emmett Township 11,611 266 4,848
39 Blackman Township 37,034 364 2,789
40 Mount Morris Township 20,207 697 1,692
41 Bay City 32,485 849 1,539
42 Taylor 60,698 611 1,825
43 River Rouge 7,369 868 1,452
44 Hamtramck 21,514 836 1,487
45 Grandville 15,913 307 2,425
46 Redford Township 46,510 655 1,608
47 Coldwater 12,076 331 2,095
48 Southfield 72,794 395 1,798
49 Auburn Hills 25,149 425 1,610
50 Wyoming 76,071 540 1,502

How Is Your Town In ?

This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. It is our ninth time ranking the most dangerous places to live in Michigan and is updated for 2022.

The post The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Michigan For 2022 appeared first on RoadSnacks.


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